Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is a very traditional, family celebration. Even in today's consumer-oriented and hectic world-or maybe because of it-the Christmas season is still considered a time for togetherness and simple pleasures. Christmas Eve is the day that final decorations are put on the tree and families gather to share presents. Both December 25 and 26 are official holidays.
Interactive Advent Calendar
Step into our traditional Christmas market—filled with games, music, handicrafts and traditional foods—and count down the days until the holiday. Don't forget to write to Santa. (Flash 8.0 required)
Christmas Markets
A favorite pastime for Germans and tourists alike is savoring the winter holiday season at a local Christmas market. The colorful fairs spring up in most towns and cities for the four-week Advent season leading up to Christmas Eve.
Marking the Advent Season
Celebrating the Advent season, which begins four Sundays before Christmas, is an tradition in Germany. Advent calendars, whether homemade or mass-produced, are a favorite of children and the young at heart. Advent wreaths can be found in many homes.
Christmas Stories by Germany.info Readers
Given that the Christmas tree has a long tradition in Germany, we asked our readers to send in their own personal memories of Christmas trees past in essay form. Read some of these tender, touching and - at times - hilarious recollections right here.
A Carol's Humble Origins
"Silent Night, Holy Night" is one of the best known Christmas carols in the world. It was written in German and first premiered in Austria in 1818. After a performance in Leipzig it became popular across Germany and has since been translated into some 300 languages and dialects.
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